The rate law of a chemical reaction describes the relationship between the rate of the reaction and the concentrations of reactants. It is expressed as a mathematical equation, typically determined experimentally, and it helps elucidate the reaction’s kinetics. The general form of a rate law for a reaction involving reactants A and B is given by:
Rate = k[A]ᵐ[B]ⁿ
Here, k is the rate constant, and m and n are the reaction orders with respect to reactants A and B, respectively. The rate law provides insights into how changes in reactant concentrations influence the reaction rate and helps in understanding the underlying mechanism.